Thermal System DRE

What you’ll do

 

At Scout Motors, you don't just design vehicles- you shape the future of the road. Our Engineering team is where bold ideas meet rigorous execution, building machines that are as durable and capable as the people who drive them. You'll work shoulder-to-shoulder with brilliant minds across disciplines, turning complex challenges into elegant, scalable solutions that meet the highest standards of safety, performance, and user experience. This is a place where your fingerprints are found on metal – where what you design gets built, driven, and remembered. If you're hungry to engineer something that matters, Scout Motors is where that ambition finds its highest gear. 

 

The Thermal Systems Design Release Engineer (DRE) is responsible for the design, development, validation, and release of thermal management components and subsystems for vehicle programs. This includes cooling modules, HVAC systems, refrigerant circuits, battery thermal systems, pumps, valves, heat exchangers, lines, and related hardware. The DRE ensures that all components meet OEM performance, durability, cost, quality, manufacturing, and timing requirements from program kickoff through Job 1 and lifecycle support.

 

Become part of an iconic brand that is set to revolutionize the electric pick-up truck & rugged SUV marketplace by achieving the following:

Thermal Component & Subsystem Ownership 

• Serve as the engineering owner (“single point of responsibility”) for assigned thermal hardware within an OEM vehicle platform. 
• Translate program-level vehicle thermal targets into component specifications and technical requirements. 
• Maintain system compatibility with vehicle-level architecture, controls, electrical interfaces, and packaging constraints. 

OEM Design & Release Execution 

• Create and maintain CAD models, 2D drawings, specifications, and engineering documents in the PLM system. 
• Drive part number creation, BOM updates, and engineering releases through all OEM gateway milestones. 
• Lead design reviews with cross-functional OEM engineering teams. 

Supplier and Sourcing Interface 

• Act as the primary technical lead for supplier interactions, communicating requirements and performance expectations. 
• Review and approve supplier DFMEAs, DV plans, drawings, and material selections. 
• Support sourcing activities with Purchasing and track tooling, PPAP, and launch readiness. 

Validation & Vehicle Build Support 

• Develop and execute DVP&R for thermal components. 
• Support prototype, mule, VFF, and production build phases at facilities. 
• Resolve issues identified during thermal testing, weather trips, and wind tunnel evaluations. 

Quality, Manufacturing, & Launch Readiness 

• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering to ensure designs meet plant requirements. 
• Support PFMEA, control plan reviews, and PPAP documentation. 
• Address launch issues such as leaks, NVH, restricted flow, and supplier non-conformances. 

Location & Travel Expectations:

• This role will be based out of the Scout Motors location in Novi, Michigan.
• This role requires 4-5 days per week in the office, with regular in-person meetings and events. 
• Applicants should expect that the role will require the ability to convene with Scout colleagues in person and travel to participate in events on behalf of the company from time to time.

What you’ll bring 

We expect all Scout employees to have integrity, curiosity, resourcefulness, and strive to exhibit a positive attitude, as well as a growth mindset. You’ll be comfortable with change and flexible in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. You’ll take a collaborative approach to achieve ambitious goals. Here's what else you'll bring: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field. 
• 4 years’ experience in automotive thermal systems. 
• Strong understanding of heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and thermal system behavior. 
• Proficiency with OEM CAD and PLM systems. 
• Ability to lead component design in a complex OEM environment. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience with EV thermal architectures and advanced cooling systems. 
• Familiarity with APQP, PPAP, DFMEA, and DVP&R. 
• Knowledge of heat exchanger, pump, valve, and hose manufacturing processes. 
• Strong supplier management and launch experience. 

What you'll gain

The benefits of joining Scout include the chance to build products and a company from the ground up.  This is a chance to create something new and lasting – with an iconic brand at its foundation.  In addition, Scout provides competitive compensation and benefits to support your physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. Program specifics are detailed in company policies and employee benefit guides, select highlights:

• Competitive insurance including:
  • Medical, dental, vision and income protection plans
• 401(k) program with:
  • An employer match and immediate vesting
• Generous Paid Time Off including:
  • 20 days planned PTO, as accrued
  • 40 hours of unplanned PTO and 14 company or floating holidays, annually
  • Up to 16 weeks of paid parental leave for biological and adoptive parents of all genders
  • Paid leave for circumstances related to bereavement, jury duty, voting time, or military leave

Pay Transparency

This is a full-time, exempt position eligible to receive a base salary and to participate in an annual performance bonus program. Final salary offered will be determined based on factors including but not limited to the candidate's skills and experience. The annual performance bonus program is preset and not candidate dependent.

Initial base salary range = $110,000.00 - $135,000.00

Internal leveling code: IC9